Use these energy saving tips to save on fuel costs

Running a home can be expensive, especially with rising fuel costs. That’s why our Money Advice Team is here to help you make the most of your money and help with any money or debt worries that you might help.

Money Saving Expert has the following tips to help you reduce your energy costs. (These savings are based on a typical three-bedroom household with a family of four).

1. Fit a free water-saving shower head
   Most water firms have a variety of free water-saving gadgets to help. Speak to them to see if they can provide a water-saving shower head. Typically, this will save you around 2% or £35 a year.
   
   
2. Reduce your shower time
   For those on a water meter, reducing the time you’re in the shower by just a minute will also reduce your energy costs. As when you use less water, you usually heat less water too. This could save you £180 a year on your energy and water bills.
   
   
3. Not all energy-saving light bulbs are equal
   Where possible, install LED bulbs, which use roughly half the energy of the bigger fluorescent spiral 'energy-saving bulbs'.
   
   You might have heard that you should leave your lights on when you’re not in the room as turning them on and off constantly will increase your bills.
   
   However, according to the Energy Saving Trust, turning them off when you leave a room - no matter how long for - could save you £14 a year.
   
   
4. Stop those window and door draughts
   Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt a draught? Good-quality draught-proofing will reduce or stop the draughts.
   
   You’ll need to pay an initial up-front cost to do this, but over the long term you’ll save around £30 a year.
   
   Alternatively, the Energy Saving Trust recommends putting transparent clingfilm over windows, as the second layer will help to keep heat in your home.
   
   
5. Wash more clothes less – and try not to use the tumble dryer
   Doing one less load of washing a week and setting your temperature to 30° could save you around £10 a year. While it’s not a lot, when coupled with the other tips on this page, the savings will add up and make a difference.
   
   The Energy Saving Trust says you’ll save around £40 a year if you don’t use a tumble dryer. Try drying your clothes on an airer or outside in the warmer weather. If using one inside, make sure to leave a window open as using an airer inside can cause damp if you don’t ventilate your home properly.
   
   
6. Don’t boil more water than you need
   The more water you boil, the more energy you use. Don’t overfill your kettle and you could save £8 a year.
   
   
7. Don't leave your devices on standby
   Leaving your device on standby uses energy. The Energy Saving Trust says you could save up to £40 a year by turning your devices off rather than putting them on standby.
   
   

Worried about your finances?

Our Money Advice Team can help you make the most of your money and help with any money or debt worries. From reviewing your energy bills, working out a weekly or monthly budget or checking your entitled to benefits, the team is here to support you.

Get support from our Money Advice Team

Struggling to pay your rent?

Our Money Advice Team is here to help. If you need advice on any rent issues text ‘SUPPORT’ to 01782 744533 or email hello@staffshousing.org.uk and one of our income officers or money advisers will call you back within 24 hours (Mon-Fri).